PATRIOTISM
Noah Webster's An American Dictionary of the English Language,
1828
.patriotism, n. Love of one's coun- '0.
try; the passion which aims to serve
one's country, either in defending it
from invasion, or -protecting its
rights and maintaining its laws and
institutions in vigor and purity.
Patriotism is the characteristic of a
good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the
character of a citizen.
Merriam- Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition,
copyright © 2004
patriotism, n. Love for or devotion to one's
country.
Note how the definitions have changed.
Noah Webster's patriot defends his country
with objective actions, versus the vague, subjective patriotism of one who only feels and expresses love for his country. True patriotism is
not just an emotional feeling; it is action.
Webster's original definition includes a love
for country, service to country, defense of
country, protection of the rights of country,
maintenance of the laws and institutions of
country, preservation of religion and morality
in public and private life, and puts the needs of
the country above personal or partisan desires
as well as above the favor of foreign nations.
.-- ...•.
"-